DEP: Wastewater leaked from Range impoundment pond

April 19, 2014 12:01 AM

April 19, 2014 12:01 AM

MARIANNA -- The state Department of Environmental Protection said Range Resources will likely be sent a violation notice and fined for drilling wastewater that leaked out of an impoundment pond in Washington County.

The drilling firm contacted the DEP when workers who were inspecting and upgrading the pond Wednesday discovered a hole in the pond's liner and contaminated soil beneath it in Amwell Township.

Range spokesman Matt Pitzarella said wastewater from hydraulic fracturing amounts to salt water and hasn't threatened drinking water or the environment.

DEP spokesman Jon Poister said the agency is trying to determine how much water leaked, though an inspector has already determined it was a "significant" leak.